FAQs

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be diagnosed in several ways. It can be diagnosed according to the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual, which is currently on it’s 5th edition, by criteria. However, other standardized instruments such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, 2nd Edition (CARS-2) can provide a more nuanced understanding of a person’s specific autism-related traits and their severity. Some insurances require more standardized instruments such as the ADOS-2 and CARS-2 in order to cover Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Some schools may also require them for a diagnosis to place into an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

  • The level of training and expertise achieved by Dr. Herman in understanding autism is hard to find, so we understand that expanding access is key in serving the community. The pre-evaluation is an affordable and generally quick process of understanding the likelihood of autism before deciding to move forward with full neuropsychological testing. If you do wish to move forward with Dr. Herman, the pre-evaluation is included in the cost of the full autism evaluation.

  • The level of autism training and expertise achieved by Dr. Herman is hard to find, so we understand that expanding access is key in serving the wider community. Those who do not live in the Boston area still find it useful to go through with the pre-evaluation, which can be done virtually, before committing to in-person neuropsychological testing in their local area. The neuropsych portion must be done in person in order to be valid. However, with understanding that some children prefer their home environment, a home visit can also be discussed.

  • We strive to keep our wait short because we know the importance of a timely evaluation has profound impacts to access to services and resources. The wait time to intake at NeuroThrive varies anywhere between immediate appointments to several weeks. The current wait time is up to 6 weeks.

  • Before the intake, you will submit historical documents and answer questionnaires for review. The intake appointment (pre-evaluation) will take about an hour. After the intake, the full evaluation will be scheduled within 1-2 weeks and last about one hour to an hour and a half. The report will be generated within another 1-2 weeks. The optional review of the report can usually be scheduled within a month of the report completion.

  • NeuroThrive does not contract with any private health insurance plans, but we may discuss obtaining pre-approval for an exception to your health insurance if, for example, you have out-of-network benefits (as part of a PPO or POS) and there is no qualified in-network provider able to provide a specialized autism evaluation in a timely manner. The specific policies that allow exceptions will vary among insurance plans and networks, and it is up to you to complete all paperwork/process for such pre-approval with the exception of portions that may only be completed by us.

  • Dr. Herman is included in the Medicaid/MassHealth as well as Medicare as a “billing provider.” If you have MassHealth or any of the Medicaid product managers in Massachusetts including but not limited to WellSense Essential MCO (Managed Care Organization), Tufts Health Together, Fallon 365 Care, Berkshire Fallon Health Collaborative, Steward Health Choice ACO (Accountable Care Organization), this would be included. We will bill MassHealth for the three visits included in the autism evaluation and also bill you a reduced access fee for the remainder of the fees associated with the evaluation.

  • As neurologists, we have a unique perspective in evaluating autism socially, educationally, and medically. We are therefore available to attend virtual meetings with your educational team, social care team, and/or medical team to discuss the recommendations as the result of the evaluation. There will be an additional fee associated with attendance of these meetings.

  • A neurologist has expertise in neurological and medical conditions along with the ability to interpret medical tests such as labs and genetic testing. They can have a comprehensive view of development and neurology for co-occurring developmental delays, motor issues, and seizures. Neurologists also have broader diagnostic expertise to identify differential diagnoses, such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, or other neurodevelopmental conditions and even childhood disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette syndrome, tics, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

  • Yes! There are many resources that we recommend but the following are great places to start.

  • We are conveniently located in downtown Needham for ease of access in the Boston as well as Metrowest area.